Google-parent Alphabet faces Italian antitrust probe over personal data usage

An investigation has been launched into Alphabet over alleged unfair commercial practices which involved users' personal data.

By  Storyboard18Jul 19, 2024 9:52 AM
Google-parent Alphabet faces Italian antitrust probe over personal data usage
In the past, Google has been found guilty of antitrust breaches in the three cases (in European Union) and has been fined over €8 billion.

Italy's antitrust agency has initiated an investigation into online search giant Google and its parent company Alphabet over alleged unfair commercial practices involving users' personal data and incomplete information given to users of its services.

The watchdog said that Google’s request for consent may constitute a misleading and aggressive commercial practice that appears to be accompanied by incomplete information that could influence the choice of whether and to what extent consent should be given, according to a Reuters' report.

The antitrust body further noted that Google presented its request for users' consent in a way that could limit their freedom of choice, by inducing them to agree to a combined usage of personal data by different Google services.

In a statement, Google said that it will examine the case and work with the authorities.

It is to be noted that the probe comes amid an increasing oversight by European regulators over the practices of big tech firms, including how they use personal data as well as potential abuse of market dominance.

Since 2010, the European Union has investigated several antitrust complaints against Google alleging abuses of its dominant position in breach of the EU's competition laws. Google has been found guilty of antitrust breaches in the three cases and has been fined over €8 billion.


Tags
First Published on Jul 19, 2024 9:52 AM

More from Storyboard18

Brand Makers

Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal buys Rs 52 crore apartment at The Camellias in Gurugram

Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal buys Rs 52 crore apartment at The Camellias in Gurugram

How it Works

Pocket FM sues Kuku FM parent Mebigo Labs over alleged show title infringement; seeks Rs 85.7 cr in damages

Pocket FM sues Kuku FM parent Mebigo Labs over alleged show title infringement; seeks Rs 85.7 cr in damages

Brand Marketing

Meta faces French antitrust heat over alleged ad market dominance

Meta faces French antitrust heat over alleged ad market dominance

Digital

Google to retire ad sharing feature, signaling full shift toward asset-based advertising

Google to retire ad sharing feature, signaling full shift toward asset-based advertising

Brand Makers

US bankruptcy court holds Byju Raveendran in contempt for failing to comply with orders

US bankruptcy court holds Byju Raveendran in contempt for failing to comply with orders

How it Works

Chrome killers? How OpenAI and Perplexity AI browsers could rewire Google’s ad empire

Chrome killers? How OpenAI and Perplexity AI browsers could rewire Google’s ad empire

Digital

Perplexity launches AI-powered browser 'Comet'; aims at Google Chrome’s 68% market share

Perplexity launches AI-powered browser 'Comet'; aims at Google Chrome’s 68% market share

Brand Marketing

Days after axing thousands of jobs, Microsoft says AI helped save over $500 million

Days after axing thousands of jobs, Microsoft says AI helped save over $500 million